Pauline Eschatology

by Geerhardus Vos

Book Overview

The foreword describes this book as "a classic of unprecedented insight into the structure of Paul's theology." Vos's basic thesis is that to unfold Paul's eschatology is to set forth his theology as a whole, not just his teaching on Christ's return. The author discusses the structure of Paul's eschatology, the interaction between his eschatology and his soteriology, and the religious and ethical motivation of his eschatology. This volume also discusses...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0875525059
• ISBN13: 9780875525051
• Release Date: December 1979
• Publisher: P & R Publishing
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Paul's High View On A New Creation

'Revelation could make use of the pre-established harmony which it had itself laid at the basis of its scheme.' p 43 Geerhardus Vos raised the curtain when he insisted, 'to unfold Paul's eschatology is to set forth his theology as a whole', p 11, specifically in terms of the two ages, namely, this age and the age to come. The essay which defined Vos' eschatology was printed under the title 'The Eschatological Aspect Of The Pauline Conception Of The Spirit' (printed 1912). The seminal thoughts found there Vos later elaborated on to successfully publish his plenary tour de force in 1930, which marked a stage of development in the theology of Pauline literature not yet known, and hitherto not yet equalled. In Scripture the rapture and renewal of the earth is subordinate to the resurrection - not preceding the resurrection, but said to follow on the resurrection. In fact, our Lord and Christ explicitly stated: 'I am the Resurrection and the Life.' The dispensational hermeneutic specifically misinterprets the singularity of the revelation to be revealed in us, as Paul deals with in Romans 8:18-19. At issue is not just the rapture, as is misleadingly proposed by Tim LaHaye, but a much fuller climactic event. The whole of creation is on tip-toe to see the sons of God revealed, as the inanimate creation anticipates its own renewal, following instantly upon the resurrection of all the dead. With remarkable foresight Vos deconstructed the exegetical excesses of the popular 'Left Behind' alliance. No other Pauline work has so successfully delimited the patently diverted modern interests of resurrection theology. In OT times 'eschatology' was connected to the Hebrew word, aharît; rabbis would usually introduce the teaching of the messianic age with this specific word, which literally translated means 'hindmost' or 'after that'. Says Vos of the NT usage: 'Acts has but one instance of the use of the phrase, 2:17, and this is a quotation by Peter from Joel 3:1, where the Hebrew does not contain it, but simply says 'after that'. But this easy substitution (Gk 'and it shall come to pass in the last days') proves that the formula was thoroughly familiar in early Christian circles. Apart from Paul, the other NT references are: Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 18.' p 7 NT believers markedly differ from OT Jews in that they distinctly view themselves already to be living in the 'last days', or the epochal 'after that', or in the 'times of the Gentiles'. The Greek word predominantly used for 'last' is the word eschatos, and for the 'times' of the Gentiles, chronos or kairos. When related to the plan and purposes of God in history, both the Hebrew and Greek terminology strongly imply that the consummation of such a plan is wholly under divine control and inevitably certain, eventuating in the great and Johannine 'last day' of the Lord. How Vos leads us up to the eternal state is, inevitably, an accomplishment identifiable

Of Historical Interest

Let me begin by making it clear that if you want to learn about Pauline Eschatology, this is NOT the book to read. . . . which doesn't mean that you shouldn't read it. Because it was published in 1930, it has several disadvantages. First, Vos writes in the old style - very long paragraphs and sentences. His chapters do not systematically address the issues; rather, they spiral into his view by a circuitous and often laborious route. Second, Vos is unable to interact with the recent developments in Pauline studies, especially with regard to the law, resurrection, etc. This is of course not Vos' fault, but it is something of which the reader should be aware.This book is great if you are historically inclined and want to trace the development of inaugurated eschatology from its beginnings with Vos. But, don't stop here. Go ahead and read Ladd, Ridderbos, Cullmann, Dodd, Beasley-Murray, and Fee.One last note: Vos' chapter on 'Chiliasm' is very unconvincing. He begins it by accusing pre-millenarians of psychological instability! Good for a laugh, anyway.

The most important Reformed work of the 20th century

Vos's The Pauline Eschatology marks a monumental advance in Pauline theology. The fruits of over 40 years of vigorous Biblical scholarship, Pauline Eschatology is the last work we have from Vos's pen; and it is undoubtedly his most substantial contribution--his magnum opus. The most important developments that Vos makes are the connection between the Apostle's soteriology (doctrine of salvation) and his eschatology (doctrine of the last things). His chapters on the Resurrection and the Eternal State are brilliant. Based on penetrating exegesis, Vos insightfully works out Paul's Christological perspective of salvation, focussing on the objective acts of the Lord's death and resurrection as they inaugurate the new creation, the age to come, and relates that to the individual's personal salvation. Vos further delves the Apostle's pneumatology (doctrine of the Spirit) and demonstrates how the Spirit functions in his central message of salvation.The appendix, "The Eschatology of the Psalter," is truly inspiring, opening up for his readers the Psalmist's God-centered piety and God-oriented hope.Oriented toward the more scholarly audience, Pauline Eschatology is an invaluable resource for pastors and students alike, but is not completely beyond the grasp of the interested reader. If you pick up only one book on Paul, this one should stand at the top of your list.